Investing that incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria is likely to upend traditional investment criteria in the coming decade, according to the diverse panel of speakers at a recent seminar sponsored by research provider IFI Global Ltd. (IFI). Simon Osborn, CEO of IFI, moderated the discussion, which featured Christopher J. Addy, CEO of due diligence provider Castle Hall; William Altman, director of research at ESG fund manager 17 Asset Management; Michael Johnson, group head of fund services at Crestbridge; and Sean Wilke, partner at compliance firm Greyline Partners, LLC. The speakers’ consensus was that, although difficult to define and measure, ESG investing is here to stay and could become the driving force behind investing in the future – especially if ESG principles can be shown to deliver alpha. This article discusses the key takeaways from the presentation. See our two-part series on ESG factors in hedge fund investing: “Past, Present and Future” (Nov. 10, 2016); and “Designing an ESG Investing Policy” (Nov. 17, 2016).